In creating Casa Lapostolle, the Marnier-Lapostolle family has pursued the same uncompromising approach to quality that mad Grand Marnier a world-wide success. Their objective is simple as it is ambitious: to create world-class wines using French expertise and the superb terroir of Chile. The whole venture started when Alexandra and Cyril had a âcoup de Coeurâ for the Apalta vineyard in Colchagua.

Chilean climate is perfect for vine-growing. The vines have never been grafted. It was a revelation to discover that a good number of very old vines were still growing in the vineyards. These original cuttings were brought over from France in the last century and arrived in Chile before the dreaded phylloxera louse attacked the parent stock in Europe. As a result, the old vines in Chile are healthy and descendant from great French lineage.

Today, Casa Lapostolle owns 350 has in three different vineyards and produce a total of 200.000 cases spread over Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, CarmenÃ¨re, and Syrah.

Rated 90 Nicely focused, with a racy core of fig, hazelnut and pear notes that stays pure and elegant as the toasty edge remains in the background. The finish is long and juicy. Very stylish. 8,000 cases imported. - Wine Spectator.

Casa Lapostolle Merlot Cuvee Alexandre 2006

Rated 90 - Muscular, with broad cocoa and plum sauce notes leading the way for an ample core of currant confiture and licorice. The rock-solid finish will need some cellaring to stretch out. Best from 2009 through 2011. 20,337 cases made. - Wine Spectator